SUNDERLAND have joined the hunt for Middlesbrough's wanted defender David Wheater.

Boro are ready to cash in on the Redcar-born stopper, who has also attracted interest from Everton, Stoke and Wolves.

The Black Country side’s interest was revealed in the Sunday Sun a month ago and they have been in contact already.

But Mick McCarthy knows their precarious league position makes it difficult to attract players, and Wheater is likely to want guaranteed Premier League football next year.

And it is the prospect of a move to the Black Cats that would appeal to Wheater, who is valued at around £3million by the Teessiders.

Chief Scout Ricky Sbragia has watched Wheater twice in recent weeks and, although Sunderland have Titus Bramble and Michael Turner as first choice centre-backs, the Black Cats could do with more competition.

Boro expect to sell Wheater, who is out of contract at the end of the season, but are determined not to lose one of their prize assets on the cheap.

They have quoted around £4million to interested parties so far but are likely to have to lower that price in order not to lose him for free in the summer.

Boss Tony Mowbray admitted earlier this week that is a prospect that frightens him.

“The biggest factor for David is that any team outside the top eight are still threatened by relegation,” he said.

“If he signs for any of those, he could find himself back in the Championship.

“He might think ‘I could pick a Premier League club in the summer’.

“That would not help us, of course.

“If David is still here on February 1, he will be leaving on a free in the summer.